Great cars for dates

Valentine's Day in the 21st century is not just about the heart, the mush and just flowers. It's all about luxury gifts, hi-tech gadgets and of course flashy cars - all of which combine to make at least a good first impression, if not a lasting one.

With India becoming a hub of the global cars, now you can have one for every occasion, and, sometimes, one even to match your personality. So here's our take on which car will spin its magic, how and where.

Remember Herbie, the cute, reliable car with an attitude from the movie 'The Love Bug'? That's Beetle for you. Quirky, smart and yet classy, this car could be the perfect car for those in search of a perfect date. And if you want to surprise her with a bunch of flowers, the car can be you partner in crime! Really, how many automobiles come with an integrated flower vase?

Have you been dreaming about driving to a romantic candle light dinner in a limousine? It is time to do a reality check, buddy. Limos are still a distant luxury in India. So the next best alternative is the Merc. Trust me, it's good enough to leave her swooning if you are a good driver, pack some champagne and cheese and choose the perfect romantic spot to go to on a long drive. Just imagine your date ecstatically exhaling after a long dinner with lots of wine. Oh! And don’t forget the gift! It's guaranteed to make it an affair to remember.

If your girl loves adventure, take her out in a Toyota Prado - the car for adventure sports. It's regal, it's awe-inspiring and will make your girl feel like a rock star. A Prado can travel over almost any terrain and allows you to show off your rugged skills like that of the Mills & Boon heroes. A sure few points added to your sex appeal.

If you stay near a beach and it looks the same everyday, use the Valentine's Day to add some spice to the mundane surroundings. An open roof car is just right for a ride along the beach. The shorter, wider Nissan 370Z Roadster can work wonders for you. While the waves break on rocks, sand and cliffs, let her recline in the Z's ultra comfortable leather seats and you can soak in her beauty. However, remember to be sensitive about your date's delicate hair style, so don't put down the Z's soft top until you have stopped at a quiet scenic spot.

This is your first Valentine's after marriage and you want to take your wife to a Valentine's Day party? Hyundai's i10 is just the car for you. The cool, trendy look coupled with a smooth drive makes it the smartest choice for congested city conditions. Moreover, the dual tone and beige interiors provide a deluxe yet cozy feel that is probably unseen in other cars of the hatchback category.

Are you the quintessential family man and would rather spend Valentine's Day with your wife and kids? Take them out to some fancy place - a, picnic or a drive to a theme park and round it off with a dinner. So, you will need a vehicle which has ample storage space for the kid's stuff, picnic hamper et al. Toyota Innova is just the vehicle for you. Its cabin offers great space and comfort to not just seat passengers but even store small things. Moreover, the bright and warm colors in the cabin are also rather soothing.

This is just the car for those you want to keep V-day economical yet make a great impression. Nano maybe India's first people’s car, but is cute and cozy for the young and old alike, with the adrenalin rush. Show off its unique features, and give her some easy driving tips, before perhaps even letting her test drive it. A cute way to spend Valentine's day,

If Valentines Day is a significant day for you or the one you love, then you can show a bit of extra love for the environment as well. What better idea for a 'green' Valentine's Day than taking your love on a ride on a Reva Electric? This electric car designed for city driving is just perfect for the two of you. Zip through the city traffic with and worry not about polluting the environment.

Now, go for it guys - let your car drive the talk for you. Ensure its clean, pack in the right things and add a dash of colour and perfume. And, don't forget to stock up your car with her favourite music. Create the most amazing V-day ambience on wheels and hit the road.

By, Clint Thomas, Yahoo! India News

Say Goodbye to Maruti 800

A little car, but a soaring presence nationwide... Indian automobile history witnessed a dramatic change on a chilly December morning in 1983 when the first Maruti 800 was rolled out of a factory in Gurgaon. Indian roads have never been the same ever since. Now, Maruti has decided to bring the curtains down on the iconic 800, which has always remained a mainstay of personal mobility for the masses. This decision is sure to leave a lot of Maruti 800 fans emotional, and some even watery-eyed.

Remarkably, the Maruti 800 is the second longest Indian production car, next only to the Ambassador. The 800 alone has contributed over 27 lakh units since its launch. Constant technological upgradation of components not only helped masses of car buyers freak out with fuel-efficient, zippy and very reliable Suzukis, the Indian component industry got a massive shot in the arms as the marque's localisation juggernaut rolled on.

The Maruti 800 was a joint effort between Maruti and Suzuki Motor Co of Japan. The first Maruti 800s were sold for a then princely sum of Rs 48,000. Now, after 26 years the same 800 will cost you no less than Rs 185,321.

Since its first launch in 1983, Maruti 800 has undergone minor facelifts. The first facelift was done in 1986, when a new Maruti 800 was introduced to the customer market. It was only an addition of few exciting features like the air condition and music system. The second facelift was done after a decade in 1997. However, the original 796 cubic centimeter capacity of the engine remained the same over the years. Infact, the second facelift of a jelly bean like structure was retrospective and was not welcomed by consumers.

In 2002 a special edition of the 800, India’s first colour-coordinated car, was launched. Following the changing trend, Maruti introduced Maruti 800 Duo on the World Environment Day in 2008. The powerful Duo is absolutely third generation Maruti 800 with better performance, standards safety standards, and high power. This generation of 800 is capable of switching over between petrol and LPG engine technology as per the driver’s requirement.

Reliability and durability has always been Maruti 800s strong suit. Now, there are many cars in competition with the 800. Infact, Maruti’s own Alto has become a tough competitor of 800. Gradually, as the numbers of small and affordable cars are increasing in the Indian car market, the future of Maruti 800 has become misty, too.

However, let’s hope that the marque resurrects the Maruti 800 in future as a new classic, like the Volkswagen Beetle and the Mini Cooper. Until then, guys, it’s time to bid adieu to the legend and treasure the nice memories. After all, the Maruti 800 will always live in our hearts and in the annals of Indian auto history, as a car that transfigured the way India moved.

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